Houseplants for People Who Live with Cats

Cats are curious. Plants are, too.
When the two meet, smart choices matter.

If you live with a cat, choosing the right houseplants requires attention. Some species are toxic, others are considered safe. In this guide, you’ll learn which houseplants are cat-friendly, how to place them safely, and which common mistakes to avoid.

Why Non-Toxicity Matters

Not every beautiful plant is suitable for a cat household. Some species contain substances that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even serious poisoning if ingested.

That’s why it’s important to actively look for non-toxic plants for cats. Reliable references include international veterinary databases such as the ASPCA list, where certain plants are officially classified as “non-toxic to cats.”

Non-toxic means there is no known toxic risk if a cat occasionally nibbles on the plant.
It does not mean the plant is meant to be eaten.

Proven Cat-Friendly Houseplants

The following species are widely regarded as safe and suitable for apartments:

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Photo: Ayla Verschueren (Unsplash)

A resilient and adaptable plant.
It tolerates indirect light well and is considered one of the easier houseplants to care for.

Well suited for:

• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Apartments with north-facing windows

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Photo: Katie Alexandra (Unsplash)

Soft in appearance and also listed as non-toxic.
It thrives in bright to moderately shaded rooms and works well as a bathroom plant, provided there is natural light.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

An airy, larger plant for indoor spaces.
It prefers bright, indirect light and is considered suitable for cat households.

Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

Photo: Claudia Pop (Unsplash)

Compact, decorative, and space-saving.
A good choice for smaller apartments, shelves, or window sills.

Low-Light Houseplants in Cat Households

Many people look for easy-care, low-light houseplants that are also safe for cats.

An important distinction:

Low light means indirect daylight.
No light means no plant survives long-term.

Spider plants and Boston ferns are among the species that adapt well to less intense lighting conditions.

For a deeper dive, see the guide “Houseplants for Low-Light Spaces.”

Safety Starts with Placement

Non-toxicity alone is not enough. Placement is just as important.

Practical tips:

• Use heavy, tip-resistant pots
• Avoid placing plants directly next to feeding areas
• Consider elevated shelves or hanging planters
• Do not leave exposed fertilizer sticks in the soil

Young cats especially tend to investigate new objects thoroughly.

Photo: Ardi Evans (Unsplash)

Everyday Care

Many cat-friendly species are also easy-care houseplants.

Basic rules:

Light: Bright to moderately shaded
Watering: Only when the top layer of soil feels dry
Drainage: Avoid standing water

This simple routine minimizes care mistakes and reduces stress for both you and your plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all palm trees safe for cats?

No. Some palm species are toxic. The Areca palm is considered non-toxic, but other varieties must be checked individually.

Are cat-friendly houseplants suitable for small apartments?

Yes. Compact species such as the Chinese money plant or the spider plant are ideal for smaller spaces.

What if my cat keeps chewing on everything?

Provide more enrichment, scratching options, or cat grass. In many cases, chewing is driven by curiosity or boredom.

Conclusion

Houseplants and cats are not mutually exclusive.

With verified non-toxic plants, stable pots, and thoughtful placement, your home can stay green without unnecessary risk.

Photo: Mạnh Ngô (Unsplash)

Choose carefully, position wisely, and observe how your cat responds.

And if your cat still insists on inspecting everything?
Well. It’s their apartment. You’re just the roommate.

Photo: Julia Smklv (Unsplash)